Aston Villa are the latest club to express an interest in signing Brentford striker Scott Hogan, although reports a bid has been accepted are wide of the mark according to sources at Griffin Park.

West Ham had been seen as frontrunners in the race but the Bees have stood firm on their £15million valuation and the club are furious with the way the Hammers have publicly gone about their business.

Crystal Palace also joined the race late on with West Brom boss Tony Pulis casting his eye over the striker as well.

Villa are keen to bolster their firepower with former Fulham striker Ross McCormack frozen out by Steve Bruce and they would see the 14-goal star as the perfect foil for Jonathan Kodjia, who they signed for a similar fee in the summer.